By: Dennis Brown Posted at: 08/10/2017 08:51 AM HARRISBURG, S.D. (AP) - A former South Dakota principal shot by a student says he hopes the teenager will serve as a symbol of the importance of adequate treatment for mental illness.

Authorities say the then-16-year-old Buhl brought a gun to Harrisburg High School on Sept. 30, 2015, and shot Lein in the right arm. Buhl was charged as an adult with attempted murder and pleaded guilty Wednesday. He was given a suspended jail sentence and will be committed to a mental health treatment program.

Lein hopes there's a positive outcome for Buhl. He also says there needs to be more progress in addressing the mental health needs of teenagers.